Milan (Pt 2 - Duomo di Milano outside)

The Duomo di Milano is the largest church in Italy and the largest gothic church in the world. It is decorated by 3,400 statues, 700 further marble figures (unsure what the difference is though), 135 spires, and 96 gargoyles. There's 52 pillars inside, a very accurate sundial, and the church claims to also possess one of the nails that held Jesus to the cross. Until the 60s, the cathedral was the tallest building in Milan thanks to the 4 metre high statue Madonnina on its highest spire.

Construction began in 1386, the facade was completed in the 1810s after Napoleon was crowned King of Italy at the Duomo, and the cathedral was only officially finished in 1965 (although as you'll see from the pictures work continues today).

It's a pretty incredible structure and work of art. Very fascinatingly, paying visitors like our good selves can also walk around on its roofs. All except the first and last photo are taken from the roof.Read more